Leave a Minimal Carbon Trail While Living in Style at Bangalore’s All New Zero Waste Hostel

Rajat Kukerja, a resident of Bengaluru, has opened a new hostel in the city for travellers from across the world. Known as the Cuckoo Hostel, it has the unique distinction of being the only hostel in the city that produces zero waste.

It opened its doors to travellers on August 10.

Rajat, who works as a consultant for educational institutions, refurbished an old individual house in Koramangala with some of his friends and volunteers. The idea of conserving and refurbishing articles was of utmost importance to him. Industrial packaging materials were used to make beds, a kitchen slab was refurbished to make a sink, and many old and broken articles were saved to add to the quirkiness of the living space. The terrace garden has old tyres in which vegetables and greens for the hostel kitchen will be grown.

Wet waste will be composted and the dry waste will be recycled to reduce the surplus garbage. All the electrical appliances are energy efficient. Rajat also rents out cycles for guests to travel around the city.

Rajat decided to start a community living space for like-minded people after his positive experiences as an Airbnb host. The intention of encouraging peer-to-peer learning is obvious in the architecture of the hostel. It has a central common room with a library and a jam room. The room also doubles up as the learning centre where guests can indulge in conversations, share essential life lessons, and attend workshops and skill-building classes.

“I wanted the space to introduce people to new ideas, learning experiences, the sharing economy and sustainable values,” Rajat told The Economic Times.